In what almost assuredly will become a plank in the Democratic Party's platform heading into the 2020 president election, those seeking the party's nomination are speaking about the need to rein in climate change, with many endorsing the "Green New Deal" that calls for an economy powered entirely by renewable energy.
Some are offering plums for national park lovers, with Elizabeth Warren pledging to make parks free to enter and Beto O'Rourke promising to add more parks and monuments to the National Park System.
Positions held by politicians constantly evolve, and as the months, and primaries, slip by, we'll likely see movement in the candidates' stances as they jockey for support. Key among the issues facing the Democrats is whether they support the Green New Deal, a proposal to both address climate change drivers and reduce economic inequality across America.
Here's a glimpse of their positions as of April 30, according to 350 Action:
* Joe Biden: Has not taken a stance on the Green New Deal, has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge to not accept campaign donations from the fossil fuels industry.
* Cory Booker: Supports the Green New Deal, has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Pete Buttigieg: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Julián Castro: Supports the Green New Deal, has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* John Delaney: Opposes the Green New Deal, saying it would set the country back; has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Tulsi Gabbard: Has not taken a position on the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Kirsten Gillibrand: Supports the Green New Deal and has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Kamala Harris: Supports the Green New Deal, has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* John Hickenlooper: Opposes the Green New Deal, saying the country can do better; has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Jay Inslee: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Amy Klobuchar : Supports the Green New Deal, has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Wayne Messam: Has not taken a stance on the Green New Deal, opposes energy exploration in the Everglades, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Seth Moulton: Unclear on his stance on the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Beto O’Rourke: Supports the Green New Deal, was removed from the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge list after accepting such money in 2018.
* Eric Swalwell: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Bernie Sanders: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Tim Ryan: His stance on the Green New Deal is unclear, he has not signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Elizabeth Warren: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Marianne Williamson: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
* Andrew Yang: Supports the Green New Deal, has signed the No Fossil Fuel Money pledge.
Warren also has said that if elected president, on her first day in office she would "sign an executive order that says no more drilling — a total moratorium on all new fossil fuel leases, including for drilling offshore and on public lands. I’d also reinstate the methane pollution rule to limit existing oil and gas projects from releasing harmful gases that poison our air, and reinstitute the clean water rule to protect our lakes, rivers, and streams, and the drinking water they provide."
For his part, O'Rourke has promised to "(S)et a first-ever, net-zero emissions by 2030 carbon budget for federal lands, stopping new fossil fuel leases, changing royalties to reflect climate costs, and accelerating renewables development and forestation..."
Comments
Rick, if you paid attention you would have understood Wild's point. Your GND isn't as environmentally friendly as you think nor is it realistic to accomplish any time soon.
Buck, I understand everything you guys say. I just disagree with your conclusions and methods.
But can't dispute the facts that Wild laid out. That makes the case even sadder, you understand the facts but just choose to ignore them in you Quixotic persuit.
Yadda yadda. I'm really glad that Kurt maintains a safe place for people like yourself who are very much a minority opinion to still be able to have your say.